Old analog audio tapes transfer onto a computer with a simple cable connection so you can burn the recordings to a disc on the CD drive. Any stereo tape deck will work with a set of RCA-type stereo cables and an audio Y-adapter that unites the cables with the single stereo input jack found on many computers. Free recording software is available for download on the Internet, or you can use preinstalled audio software on your PC or laptop.
Instructions
1. Plug in the white and red RCA cables to the left and right outputs on the back of the tape deck. Connect the other ends to the "L" and "R" jacks on the Y-adapter.
2. Insert the single plug on the Y-adapter into the computer's "Line In" jack.
3. Double click the name or icon of the audio-recording software installed on the computer.
4. Load a tape in the tape deck and cue with the rewind or fast-forward controls to the position where you want to begin recording.
5. Press the "Play" button on the tape deck and click the "Record' button on the audio software to begin recording to the computer. Adjust the level control knob clockwise on the front of the tape deck to boost the signal to an adequate recording level. The proper sound-level range displays on the software screen. Adjust the tape-deck level control to keep the sound within the acceptable range on the computer screen. If the display pushes into the red, the level is too high.
6. Press the "Stop" button on the tape deck and click the "Stop" button on the computer when finished. Click the "File" tab on the computer screen and highlight "Save As" to create a name for the recording. Click "Save" to place the recording on the computer's hard drive.
7. Insert a blank CD into the computer's CD drive tray and close. Double-click the name or icon of the software you use for burning CDs, such as Apple's iTunes or Windows Media Player.
8. Click the "Burn" tab or button on the screen, then open the "File" tab to locate your tape-recording file name. Click and hold the file name to drag it to the "Burn" column on your screen. Add as many files as desired to the column until the remaining recording time on the CD is used up. The remaining time information is displayed near the bottom of the screen.
9. Click "Start Burn" to record the file onto CD.
Tags: tape deck, audio software, begin recording, button tape, button tape deck